JOB
Federal Project Manager (COM 3)
At the
Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.
Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.
This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you.
Let’s build what’s next, together.
The
Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities, nonprofits and other organizations to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, and reduce adult and youth homelessness.
This position works within the
Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU) of HD and is responsible for specific tasks within the
State Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the federal
HOME and
National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) programs. This position is a technical specialist in real estate development and finance. This position develops, negotiates, and manages key terms and conditions for resulting state and federally funded contracts that specialize in the development of affordable housing for the low-income and special needs population. This position updates and maintains Commerce databases to ensure accurate project data is available. This position establishes program priorities and develops policies to ensure affordable low-income housing units are created and preserved, from the time of award through to the project’s long-term period of performance. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Project Development
Tasks include:
- Participate in the MHU resource allocation process by providing technical assistance to applicants proposing development of affordable housing by use of the State HTF, HOME and NHTF.
- Review, analyze, and score project applications using the Combined Funder Application, Housing Trust Fund Handbook, Federal Guidebooks and Notice of Funding Availability guidelines to recommend for investment of state funds.
- Manage new projects assigned in each funding round, with an average of 25+ projects in various stages such as pre-development, development, construction, or placed-in-service—actively managed. Process consistent and timely updates into the Commerce Contract Management Services (CMS) and Housing Contract Management Services (HCMS) database systems and project files (electronic and physical).
- Review, analyze, and present for approval project scope, contract terms based on current approved terms established by MHU, financial structures for long term project sustainability, and key performance measures to unit management team members.
- Coordinate with contracting specialists, clients, developers, and attorneys to ensure the development and execution of contracts meet approved terms established by RCWs or MHU written policy.
- Monitor project’s applicability of labor standard provisions under the HOME program for any contract with the construction of 12 or more HOME-assisted units as required under HUD Regulations at 24 CFR 92.354(a)(2) and Section 286, National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Facilitate real estate closings by:
o Ensure escrow has received closing instructions.
o Recording package with all recordable documents has been completed.
o Predetermined closing funds are agreed upon with a signed A-19 for closing draw disbursement and aligns with the project budget.
o Ensure all recorded document copies are received for the project file.
• Coordinate and communicate with other private- and public-financing partners and third-party consultants involved with projects. Troubleshoot and problem-solve contract, construction, and project schedule-related issues, including technical assistance and renegotiation of financial structure, when necessary.• Monitor the project’s construction property management/lease up process monthly by reviewing 3rd party inspection reports, ensuring change orders stay within project scope of work, ensure completion date is on track with the construction schedule, and funds are being drawn in alignment with project budget. Coordinate internal project transfer from project management to asset management team as outlined in the Housing Unit Blueprint (HUB).
- Ensure timely workflow and coordination within, and among, the unit’s teams and other workgroups in the department as outlined within the HUB, desk manuals and due diligence checklists.
- Conduct environmental reviews as required by law in accordance with HUD 24CFR Part 50 and 58 and ensure integration of NEPA requirements with other planning and environmental review for all federal projects to ensure evaluation of the probable environmental consequences of a proposal before decisions are made.
- Review additional HOME Program requirements that reference Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) participants. Ensure CHDO applicants and participants meet certification and re-certification eligibility requirements per participating Jurisdiction policies and procedures as required when receiving federal CHDO funds.
- Oversee data collection, analysis and state reporting requirements for the State HTF program in CMS and HCMS, as outlined in the unit’s Handbook, desk manuals, and HUB.
Manage Special Projects as Assigned
Tasks include:
- Implement proviso programs as outlined within each section of the HTF budgets to ensure legislative intent is met.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop processes and policies that align with the HTF’s mission and vision.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Work from Anywhere in Washington State
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at
[email protected].
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at
[email protected]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.
